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The Spread of Zika Virus

So far, there are no confirmed cases of Zika in Pennsylvania that we know of. At least one infectious disease specialist says it’s plausible that there wi...

So far, there are no confirmed cases of Zika in Pennsylvania that we know of. At least one infectious disease specialist says it's plausible that there will be.

Zika was first discovered some 50 years ago in Africa, but it has recently and quickly spread through south and central America and into the Caribbean.

Dr. Stanley Martin is the Director of Infectious Diseases at Geisinger Health System. He says women who are pregnant or want to become pregnant should definitely heed the travel suggestions to stay away from affected areas.

Others don't have to worry much about the chance of contracting it or even the infection itself.

"I had another doctor down the hall in another department planning to go to the Caribbean for vacation and he asked if he should be worried," added Dr. Martin. "I said you're a 60-year-old man, so no, you should not be worried! He's gonna be fine, even if he does contract the virus."

Some experts note that if pregnant women come back from an affected area, it's a good idea to get tested, even if you're not symptomatic so that you don't unwittingly become a host and spread Zika through a mosquito bite or otherwise.

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